Wine, Dine And Escape At The Delta Kingston Waterfront Hotel

Kingston, the gateway to the Great Waterway of Southern Ontario and the first capital of Canada. We are 150 years old as of July 1st, 2017 and what better place to visit than our first capital city. There is plenty to see and do in Kingston and on this visit, I am focusing on the Kingston accommodation and food scene. There is nothing more important to your get-away than where you lay your head and fill your belly in my opinion. The first stop covers both where to eat and where to sleep. The Delta Kingston Waterfront Hotel offers waterfront views, a central location and a fantastic restaurant called Aquaterra. If I didn’t have an agenda I might not have to leave the Delta Kingston at all. Come check it out.

Access to the Delta Kingston is through their parking lot on Johnson Street. Self-park or Valet it is up to you.

Straight through to the lobby (pictured above) for registration and then up to my room to drop off my bags. I did a short video of my room that I think says it all. Contemporary design with great amenities like the smart desk for easy charging of all my devices. Like every room at the hotel, my room has a view of Lake Ontario and in the summer I expect the docks to be filled with boats.

Impressive isn’t it. I’ve no time to enjoy it just yet though. I’ve got to get dressed and head up to the top floor as I’ve been invited to attend a charity Winemakers Dinner. Co-hosted with Karlo Estates Winery from Prince Edward County it looks to be an amazing evening.

Aquaterra Executive Chef Brent McAllister has created a beautiful menu to pair with the Karlo Estates wines. Note to self to get to Karlo Estates this summer for a tasting of the complete portfolio.

The Winemaker’s Dinner has only whetted my appetite for more food from Chef Brent and his team at Aquaterra so before the evening is out I make a reservation for dinner there the next evening and I task the chef with one request. I hear that he makes a mean Steak Tartare and beg him to prepare a dish for me. Now off to bed and sweet dreams.

It’s an early morning sun that greets me as I wake and after washing up I head down to Aquaterra for breakfast. A table with a view of the Lake, coffee and an order of Eggs Benedict. My day is getting off to a good start. I had to order a side of bacon though because breakfast isn’t complete without bacon. Verdict = fantastic. I cleaned my plate.

Fast forward a few hours and I am back at Aquaterra with a friend who lives locally for dinner. Chef Brent has prepared the Steak Tartare as requested and a series od dishes that he feels express the personality of the restaurant. For lovers of Steak Tartare, I have it on good authority it is soon to be on the menu full time. I couldn’t be happier as it was one of the best I’ve ever had.

Our entrees consisted of three dishes. The first is Halibut on a Seafood Cake honouring the water influence on Aquaterra. Representing the earth we are served a delicious Ribeye Steak and finally, for the last dish Chef presents a Duck Confit on pureed Parsnips with fingerling potatoes and sauteed apples. The last dish is the creation of one of his team members and reflects the trust Chef has in his team.

From start to finish a great meal and I am grateful al I have to do is head upstairs to my room. Rarely do I enjoy hotel restaurants as they are often an afterthought meant to service hotel guests. Aquaterra absolutely serves the Delta Kingston Guests but it is also a stand-alone restaurant that attracts locals and tourists alike.

Planning a special meal in Kingston? Chances are it will be at Aquaterra. A great place to wine, dine and escape while you are exploring Kingston.

About Author

Marc Smith is a former event planner turned vagabond adventurer. He loves strong Americano's, great wine, cold beer and zip lining over tree tops.
Formerly of Vancouver, most of Marc's time when not travelling is in Canada's largest city, Toronto. Follow along on his nomad adventures and discover places to stay, things to do and where to eat & drink as he explores the world one city and region at a time.